A major new light-industrial business park is set to strengthen the commercial landscape of the Vale of Glamorgan after securing a £2.83 million investment from the Development Bank of Wales.
The loan from the Development Bank's Wales Commercial Property Fund will support the construction of Phase 1 of Orchard Business Park in Llandow, where 44 light-industrial units will be built across two phases. The first 21 units are expected to be ready in summer 2026, with the wider scheme set to create a significant new base for businesses looking to invest in modern premises in South Wales.
Once fully occupied, Orchard Business Park is expected to support between 150 and 180 jobs. The scheme will also generate economic value during construction, with the project being delivered by RDR Contractors, a local company based at Rosedew Farm in Llantwit Major, using local labour, suppliers and materials wherever possible.
The development is led by Loïc Moinon, managing director of LM Prop, who has already invested more than £1 million of his own money into acquiring and progressing the scheme. The Development Bank funding will now enable the build-out of Phase 1, with a second phase planned to follow in the first half of 2027.
Designed for new and established businesses alike, the units will offer modern specifications including optic fibre, toilets, three-phase power, ample parking and communal EV chargers. Mezzanines will also be available by prior arrangement, helping occupiers tailor the space to their needs.
Loic Moinon, managing director of LM Prop, said:
“This project started from a very simple frustration. I was trying to find a modern unit for my own business and either couldn’t find the right space or found myself priced out. That made me realise there was a real gap in the market locally, and that many other businesses were likely facing the same problem.
“I’m immensely proud of what Orchard Business Park represents. I came to Wales from France around 20 years ago with nothing, built businesses here and have always believed in reinvesting locally. This scheme is about giving other local firms the chance to grow on their doorstep, in high-quality premises with excellent access links, while creating jobs and using local contractors and suppliers wherever possible.”
The Development Bank of Wales said the project reflected strong demand for smaller, modern industrial units in the region and the value of backing experienced local developers who are creating long-term economic infrastructure.
Karl Jones, senior property development executive at the Development Bank of Wales, said:
“Orchard Business Park is exactly the type of development the Wales Commercial Property Fund is there to support. It is a well-located scheme that addresses clear market demand, creates space for businesses to grow and brings wider economic benefits to the local area.
“Loïc has shown real commitment to making this project happen, backed by significant personal investment and a determination to deliver something that will make a lasting difference. We’re pleased to support Phase 1 and to help unlock a scheme that will support jobs, enterprise and local supply chains in the Vale.”
The build contract has been awarded to RDR Contractors, led by local entrepreneur Rhodri Davies, whose wider business interests include farming, hospitality and construction.
Rhodri Davies, managing director of RDR, said:
“Orchard Business Park is a great example of what local business can achieve when investment is backed by ambition and delivery. This scheme has been designed locally, is being built locally and will create opportunities for local businesses and local people.
“We’re proud to be involved in a development that will benefit the Vale community, support entrepreneurship and provide the kind of modern business space that is in short supply.”
The first phase of the scheme is already generating strong interest from prospective occupiers, with enquiries coming from a wide range of businesses looking for flexible, well-specified premises in the area. Interested parties are urged to get in touch with the designated agents, Brinsons, as soon as possible.
The Wales Commercial Property Fund offers loans from £250,000 to £5 million for speculative and non-speculative office and industrial developments in Wales with terms of up to five years. Since 2017, the Development Bank of Wales has invested £27 million in commercial property projects resulting in 270,000 sq. ft of space.
